Flying

WARNING- not dog related. If you’re on the Ryno Kennel website for only dog content, then skip this blog post.

In 2012, I finished my first Iditarod with the help of SP Kennel, and impulsively decided to get my private pilot’s license. Truth be told, I’m not entirely sure why. Don’t get me wrong. I love flying. I love the feeling of being high above the ground and soaring over Alaska’s vast landscape to remote corners of the state. With so few roads in Alaska, you need a dog team, snowmachine, boat, or airplane to reach more remote areas. Perhaps I made the decision because I was dating a pilot (Derek), or my dad is a pilot (he flew A-6s in the Navy), or my aunt is a pilot (she flew Boeing 787s for United Airlines), or my paternal grandfather was a pilot (I remember him taking me up in a glider plane), or my maternal grandfather had provided me with the financial support to do so (he gave each of his grandchildren a gift to use towards education, in whatever form that may take).

But whatever the reason, I spent a few weeks down in Arizona, sleeping in a camper borrowed from my Aunt Joan, and flying daily in pursuit of my private pilot license. After a whirlwind course, I walked away with a signature in my logbook saying I could fly small planes but only having the knowledge of how to fly a Cessna 172 in very specific conditions.

Upon returning to Alaska, I quickly realized that flying Derek’s PA12 was a whole different beast from the Cessna 172. Add to that the arrival of the first Ryno Kennel athletes, and my focus rapidly re-directed back to dogs. For the next 7-8 years, I rarely took the controls of the plane. Derek is an outstanding bush pilot, so I happily squeezed into the back seat and let him run the show. I always hoped to get my tailwheel endorsement and fly myself, but I couldn’t seem to find the time (or rather, I just wasn’t interested in making the time). Fast forward to the pandemic, and suddenly, I had time. Neighbor and certified flight instructor, Marty Meierotto generously agreed to fly with me and give me a refresher. Last summer, Marty and I spent several hours practicing in Derek’s PA-12. Throughout fall, winter, and spring, my focus returned to the dogs, but this summer, I was able to hop back in the pilot’s seat. Even better, a good friend offered to put me on his plane’s insurance, and bam- Derek and I could take to the skies together in separate planes!

A couple weeks ago, we embarked on our first, separate but together, cross country flight. We flew through the Alaska Range to visit Paige and Cody! It was SPECTACULAR. I certainly had a basket of butterflies in my stomach comparable to the start of a 1000-mile race, but we made it to Susquidna Lodge and back in fine form. Full disclosure, there were a couple minor hiccups (1- losing my visual of Derek as we flew over the Yanert River, so from then on he followed me and 2- doing a go-around as I landed at Paige and Cody’s after taking a funky bounce), but as Marty would say, there’s only one mandatory landing, otherwise just enjoy yourself!

Even though this was barely a 24-hour adventure, so many thank yous are in order. To my mom, for caring for the critters at home (did I mention there’s an arsonist running around Two Rivers right now too?!) To my dad for your love and support in my pursuit of flying. To Kalyn for managing Chena Outdoor Co while I was away. To Chris Swisher for allowing me to pilot his spectacular plane. And to Paige and Cody for letting us come visit!